A court was asked to delay sentencing a prolific shoplifter to see if there was a chance for him to beat the drug addiction that was behind his offending.

The court was told the defendant's family were desperately trying to help Benjamin Wareing kick his habit.

They had approached the Thomas Project to try and get him a rehab placement after the Probation Service said they didn't have the funding to assist.

Damien Pickup, defending Wareing, said his client accepted he would be leaving court and going to prison.

"It’s an unusual request but I am asking the court not to sentence him today but to adjourn the case for two weeks," said Mr Pickup. "The Thomas Project have said they will visit him in prison in the next two weeks. They will decide if he actually warrants this rehab placement."

Wareing, 27, of Ramsgreave Drive, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to 11 charges of shoplifting and one of attempted shoplifting. He was remanded in custody until July 18 for the assessment to take place.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said she had to have a mind to punishment and rehabilitation.

"It seems to me that if there is a chance of him getting a six months rehab placement then I want that assessment to take place," said District Judge Preston.

She told Wareing; "You have got your family behind you so please co-operate with the Thomas Project."

Mr Pickup said his client had a serious crack cocaine addiction which was behind his offending.

He said it was great credit to his family that they had approached the Thomas Project directly and asked for their help.

"His father is very candid about his life," said Mr Pickup. "He remembers the first time he was sent to prison and how it led to him subsequently spending more and more time behind bars. He was in the system and couldn't get out and he doesn't want that to happen to his son.

"He is hoping a short sharp shock of a remand in custody will have an impact on his son and then the decision of the Thomas Project will impact on the sentence that is eventually imposed," said Mr Pickup. "I appreciate this is an unusual request but the family are trying to steer this young man in the right direction."